What laptop should I get?

[synor]

Hi,

I'm beginning a degree in software engineering and I wonder what laptop I should get. We will do a lot of java, using mostly Eclipse, and Microsoft Visual Studio. I'm currently programming Android applications on a HP G6. I actually don't know what would last for 3 years. I try to avoid some brands like Acer, Samsung, Sony... I'd like an Asus or Lenovo with Intel cpu.
I've watched for i3 with 4gb of ram, Will it be enough? Should I get an i5?
I would also prefer if the laptop was under 15.6". I have a larger screen at home and plug it when I get back from school.

I'm also not a gamer, I do not need a good graphics card.
If it was not for programming stuff, I'd stick with an i3, because I only use my laptop for Word, Facebook and stuff like that...

Any idea of what would be good for me?

My budget is very limited, under 700$ would be great.

Thanks!

(Sorry for my english, it's not my native language!)

 

[rockie_]

something like this one
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834314535&cm_re=gt_840m-_-34-314-535-_-Product
i cant tell whether it is durable

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834231960
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834152586

 

[rmark45matsu]

This might be something to consider, http://www.amazon.com/HP-TouchSmart-Laptop-500GB-14-k111nr/dp/B00IFHYQH8/ref=sr_1_8?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1412749895&sr=1-8&keywords=i5+laptop

 

[velo3100]

I would get a laptop with an ulv i5 or i7 depending on the program intensity. I wouldn't bother getting a discrete gpu as it will just drain your battery faster. Only get it if you are making graphically intense programs.

 

[Senaka Dhishnath]

Well i3 with 4GB RAM has a similar performance that of an i5 with 2Gb RAM, in other words, i3 with higher RAM will suite you.

Since you are doing software engineering , there is no need to go for higher processing power, considering the brands I would like to recommend TOSHIBA or ASUS, both are very reliable. Please also consider the fact that if your study involves graphics then i would sudjest a AMD processor based laptop